Treating the Silent Epidemic of Dental Health

Why dental health matters

The increasing number of children living with untreated dental decay and/or dental caries has been identified as a silent epidemic by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The CDC has identified approximately one in four children aged 3-5 and 6-9 years living in poverty has untreated dental caries.

Further, dental health issues continue to be a leading cause of school absenteeism for Colorado’s kids. According to the Delta Dental Foundation, in Colorado, on average, parents miss 2.5 days of work and kids miss 58 hours of school to address oral health challenges. Additionally, pregnant women with untreated dental health challenges are at a higher risk of experiencing premature delivery of their babies.

Children’s Hospital Colorado is committed to providing families with the resources and education necessary to ensure healthy teeth for kids.

Let's address dental health needs together

Learn what we're doing to support dental health and how you can help in your home and community.

More than 4,000 people currently participate in the Network, which joins the voices of physicians, healthcare professionals, patients and families with business leaders and community members to speak up clearly and powerfully for kids when public policy decisions are made. Advocates write letters, make phone calls and share information when needed to influence public policies. Learn how to join the network today!

Children with good oral health are:

1.Less likely to suffer from chronic strep throat and ear infections

2.Less likely to need expensive dental treatments

3.More likely to attend, concentrate and succeed in school

4.Less likely to suffer from speech development or early learning issues

5.More likely to have healthy self-esteem

About Children's Hospital Colorado

We see more, treat more and heal more children than any hospital in our seven-state region. Learn about our mission and more, or search for opportunities to join our team.